Athletes affected by stomach virus at official hotel

A further 30 Germans due to arrive on Tuesday were moved to other hotels.

"It is purely a precautionary measure", German team spokesman Peter Schmitt said.

Public Health England (PHE) revealed approximately 30 people had reported illness and two cases had been confirmed as norovirus by laboratory testing, adding that "most people make a full recovery within one or two days, without treatment".

"It is highly infectious and with vast numbers of people - athletes, site personnel and visitors - in such close proximity, exposure to affected individuals can not be contained easily".

Video footage emerged of Makwala, one of the athletes struck by a bout of the norovirus, being denied entry to the dedicated athletes entrance by security.

"We have followed strict hygiene protocol, ensuring that those affected are not in contact with other guests and all public areas have been thoroughly sanitised".

Competitions organisers confirmed on Monday night that several London 2017 competitors - staying in the same accommodation - had suffered gastroenteritis.

"Those affected have been supported by both team and LOC (local organising committee) medical staff".

Botswana'sIsaac Makwala was given medical dispensation to withdraw from the 200m heats after throwing up in the call room on Monday.

But an IAAF medical representative said the decision to withdraw Makwala had been based on an "assumption" that he had the norovirus because of his symptoms and that appeared to be the cause of some confusion.

There was some controversy in the lead-up to the 400m final with van Niekerk's main rival, Botswana'sIsaac Makwala, not allowed to run after contracting a virus.

Yelena Orlova, a spokesperson for neutral athletes from Russian Federation at the World Championships in London, said earlier that over 25 athletes from Ukraine, Germany, Estonia and other countries were affected by the virus, which is spread by aerial transmission.

At least seven Canadians were affected, including sprinter Aaron Brown.

With Usain Bolt having run his last individual championship race, much weight has been placed on Van Niekerk's lean shoulders as his sport desperately seeks fresh stars to fill the void left by arguably the greatest athlete of all time.

"But from endurance I go straight to speed tomorrow..." I was like a vampire. Right after Rio I found out I had a back injury, and this entire season I have been struggling to find fitness, but at the same time my times have been getting better, especially in the short sprints.

As he missed the 200m heats on medical advice, however, he would be able to run, if otherwise fit.

Elaine Thompson, who was surprisingly beaten in the 100m final on Sunday night, was also reportedly sick before the race, says the paper.